[Updated 7/21/21 with corrections and quotes from BRP]
Just when we thought the year 2021 could not get any worse, it has. This year has been plagued with manufacturing struggles across the board while demand for products has been higher than it ever has; ranging from original manufacturers to the aftermarket, the industry can not seem to catch a break. Over the course of the weekend, BRP’s Maquiladora facility in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico was engulfed in flames.
On July 17, an explosion from an unknown source ignited the storage warehouse at BRP’s second-of-three plants, taking 6 days’ worth of the inventory with it. Due to the extent of the fire, local authorities evacuated nearby residences and an estimated 200 firefighters fought for nearly four hours to control the blaze; thankfully, all 2,400 employees made it to safety.
According to a report in The Drive, the warehouse is used mainly for Can-Am ATVs and Side-by-Sides (UTVs). José Boisjoli, President & Chief Executive Officer of BRP stated, “I am pleased that all our employees are safe and followed our health and safety protocols. We appreciate the quick assistance of the firefighters, local businesses and authorities. We do not anticipate any material impact to our business.”
It has been confirmed that Sea-Doo is not produced or stored at the facility and there is yet to be a reason for a further delay of Sea-Doo watercraft. There is no need to worry about a Sea-Doo shortage or raising the price of your used Sea-Doo even higher due to the fire; Sea-Doo’s will still be delivered and manufactured this year.
Even though the blaze did not directly affect the PWC industry, BRP is facing millions of dollars in damage and further delay in delivery of their products.
